SOAP 11/23/2015; Psalm 100:3

Today's reading: Matthew 14, 15, 16*

S) "³ Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture."

Psalm 100:3 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 100

O) The middle line of this verse struck me as peculiar. What kind of world view existed, that people were crediting their own existence to themselves? Or even, crediting the creation of humankind to humans? Given many of the origin theories that have existed throughout history, including some of the theories of secular humanists that exist now, I suppose this wouldn't be a great surprise. That is taking the word "made" literally. The alternative is to view that more figuratively. A person may define themselves by their wealth, or influence, or possessions. In that case, if they are their accomplishments, then people credit themselves all of the time, for who they are (i.e., what they have been able to accomplish). Even today, people will use phrases like a "self-made man," referring to someone who has obtained success without help from other people (or at least, that's the perception). Whether this verse is addressing beliefs of literally making, or figuratively making, doesn't actually change the rebuttal. The LORD Himself is still God. He is our Creator, both in terms of existence and success.

A) This is really part of an invitation to worship the LORD (vv.1-2), and that's exactly what this verse brings me to do. This is a humbling verse, reminding me not to think more highly of myself than I should. I cannot make myself be who I want to be. I cannot make myself successful. My very existence fully relies on the grace of God alone. There is no more cause for worship needed. The very life I have is cause enough, since it is given to me as a gift everyday.

P) Father, You are my Creator! You are worthy of all my praise! Keep me humble, Lord. I cannot allow myself to think I am responsible for my own existence or success. I do not make myself wake up each day, alive and able. That is strictly by Your grace. Help me to see each day as a gift, genuinely and simply thanking You constantly. Be glorified in my life, in how I use the gifts You have given me. Receive all of the honor and glory, and all of my worship. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.